House Speaker Paul Ryan give the thumbs-up as he speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention last month in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

(Newser)
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In what the Washington Post calls an "extraordinary breach of political decorum," Donald Trump isn't endorsing Paul Ryan in his Wisconsin primary battle. Trump tells the Post he's "not quite there yet" when it comes to backing Ryan. Trump may be getting his revenge on Ryan, who last spring said he was "not there right now" about endorsing Trump before finally giving in. It's also possible Trump's decision not to endorse Ryan has to do with Ryan not supporting Trump's continued attacks on the Khans. Meanwhile, Ryan's primary opponent, Paul Nehlen, defended Trump's comments this week, saying the Khans "attacked, ridiculed, and attempted to humiliate Trump," according to NPR. Trump then publicly complimented Nehlen's "very good campaign."

“I like Paul, but these are horrible times for our country,” Trump tells the Post. “We need very strong leadership." Trump claims Ryan sought his endorsement, a claim denied by a Ryan spokesperson. Regardless, Ryan is expected to easily defeat Nehlen, Politico reports. Trump also refused to endorse John McCain in his primary campaign, claiming McCain hasn't done right by the country's veterans. In the same Post interview, Trump called out New Hampshire Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte. It should be noted that both Ayotte and McCain denounced Trump's attacks on the Khans. Ayotte says she still plans to vote for Trump.

I keep hearing that the Republican Party is all but destroyed.... I ask this with question with complete honesty, What will replace the Republicans, if they are still a party in the future? Thank you for any and all answers.

rhinojake

Aug 3, 2016 1:56 PM CDT

At least Ryan got a more important endorsement from.......... Mike Pence

George Black

Aug 3, 2016 1:32 PM CDT

It appears there is hostile takeover of the Republican party. I think it's great the party has its panties in a knot and are clueless. What a riot. It's fun to watch and the more destruction Trump does the quicker new blood can rebuild it. What happens when you don't stand for anything and won't represent your constituents? You get the boot and it has been coming at the Republicans from the grass roots for a long time. It appears the rumored demise of the Old Republican Party is closer than it seems. Trump can't win with them but may be able to pull it out without them. They quit representing me eons ago. Perhaps they will in the future. Viva Trump!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!